Sixth Komani policeman in custody

A SIXTH member of the Komani flying squad, who was in training in Pretoria when his colleagues were arrested last week, has since been charged with corruption.

The Rep reported (“Seven charged with corruption,” February 3) that five flying squad members, a police reservist and a civilian had been arrested for allegedly taking bribes in relation to or in exchange for drugs. The police have not given further details. The latest arrest is Warrant Officer Amos Rafu, 52, who appeared in court this week.

Among the suspects are 37-year-old Siyanda Gunuza, a cousin of Enoch Mgijima mayor Lindiwe Gunuza Nkwentsha, Warrant Officers Monwabisi Dyongo, 49 and Dalithemba Mahashane, 46.

Sergeant Andiswa Jikumlambo, 40, Constable Sipho Nene, 39, and reservist Constable Mzimkhulu Ndevu, 39, were arrested later with civilian Makgotso Kesa, 45.

This week police spokeswoman Captain Namhla Mdleleni said the suspects had appeared in court. At the time of writing, Gunuza had been denied bail. The rest of the suspects are set to appear individually.

The operation that led to the arrests involved members from the detective services, anti-corruption unit, crime intelligence and criminal records and crime scene management and the tactical response team.

Mahashane and Nene were granted bail on their first appearance, with Gunuza’s case postponed to February 24.